So here we are Texnas fans. Some of the FA smoke has cleared. Mario, Winston, and Briesel are gone. Foster and Myers are still here. I took some time away from the DoppelColts to make a Doppelmock for the DoppelTexans. (I may or may not have drank too muck Doppelbock prior to writing that sentence....)

1. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin, 6’5, 314, 5.58
I know some may call this a luxury pick, but I strongly disagree. To me, Konz represents the best player available. He is easily the best Center prospect to come out of college since Mangold and the #3 OG after DeCastro and Glenn. I may take flack for this, but I am still not sold on Myers. He had a great season, but it is the only good one he has had in Houston. I have been less than impressed with his play prior to this season. One thing Myers has always struggled with and did so this past year are the big athletic NT/DTs like Paul Soliai, Vince Wilfork, Ngata, Seymour etc. He is just too small to handle them. Each year we see bigger, stronger, and faster NTs and DTs in the league. To combat that, you need a strong powerful, quick Center to neutralize them. Enter Mr. Konz. He has the strength, the power, the speed, and the ability to protect the QB, open up running lanes, but also get down the field and make that all important downfield block. I know Myers was re-signed, and in that scenario Konz can slide into the OG spot next to Brown and Wade Smith can slide next to Butler. Konz instantly upgrades the OL by starting as an OG and becomes backup Center. In a year or two, Konz replaces Myers as Center.

2. Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma, 6’2, 253, 4.69
The NFL has become a passing league. An argument can be made that Tom Brady is a better QB than Eli Manning. Yet, Manning’s Giants have now beaten Brady’s Patriots in 2 superbowls. Why? Passrushing. The Giants bring a plethora of passrushers whereas the Patriots don’t. A good pass rush can neutralize the best and Brady has proven time and time again he is up there. Case in point, I take Ronnell Lewis. He would be a great addition to the Wade 3-4 OLB group and will fit right in with Barwin and Reed. One thing I noticed about Lewis when I looked at some tape was that he didn’t get sacks based on an initial move, he got them because he continued to fight and work to get to the QB. This was exactly what the Texans did last year. How many times did we see the team get a sack based on extra effort? Guys like Watt, Barwin, and Reed got sacks because they didn’t give up on plays and kept fighting to the whistle. Lewis is the same kind of player and will be a great addition. At present he is a high level pass rusher and very solid run stopper. In time, I am confident his run defense will catch up to his pass rushing.

3. A.J. Jenkins WR, Illinois, 6’0, 190, 4.39
A great WR option that can play either on the outside or in the slot. He has speed to burn and if he gets by a defender he will go for a long gain. He has good hands, solid route running and was productive in college. Despite a poor QB he still hauled in 90 passes for 1,276 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011 and 56 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010. He is flying under the radar and could be a major steal at this point.

4. Nick Jean-Baptiste, NT, Baylor, 6’1, 335. 5.40
When Wade talks about NTs he generally stresses one thing: one gap players who shoot the gap and get into the backfield. NJB can be that guy. He was a dominant force at the East-West game he got by the O lineman with ease. A good mix of power and speed. He is immediately DL depth, but is the kind of prospect Wade will love to groom and mold.

5. Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin, 6’0, 205, 4.48
I have a feeling Troy Nolan will not be kept. Getting a FS with tackling skills is a major plus. Henry had 62 tackles with three tackles for a loss, four interceptions and three passes broken up this year. He also had a good game against Michigan State in the Big ten championship game. He is quality depth and a Special Teams monster.

6. Brett Roy, DE, Nevada, 6’4, 280, 4.84
Depth is the key to any good defense. A DE like Roy would look great in a rotation with Smith and Watt. Roy is a high motor tackling machine who has a nose for the backfield. He had 66 tackles with 18.5 behind the LOS, and 10 sacks. Year before he got 50 tackles, 214.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. You might say his numbers are inflated because he played at Nevada, but he got sacks against the Pac 12’s Oregon and the everyone’s favorite Mid Major Boise State. This guy can play and I want him on my team.

7. Art Forst, G/OT, Rutgers, 6’8, 310, 5.30.
A combo OG/OT sleeper from Rutgers. He needs some work and will certainly not ready to start Day 1. But what I have seen is intriguing enough to take a 7th on him. He played both OG spots as well as RT this year. He is a good but unspectacular run blocker and pass protector. Give him some time and he may very well surprise a lot of people.

Are you at all worried that Konz only threw 225 up 18 times at the combine? Seems like there are some strength questions about him. I know most of your strength comes from your lower half, but an OL needs to be able to "punch" away defenders.

I like the WR pick and think like you, he could be a major steal as an unknown due to poor QB play. He did account for 53% of the offenses receiving yards this year. Pretty impressive.

So here we are Texnas fans. Some of the FA smoke has cleared. Mario, Winston, and Briesel are gone. Foster and Myers are still here. I took some time away from the DoppelColts to make a Doppelmock for the DoppelTexans. (I may or may not have drank too muck Doppelbock prior to writing that sentence....)

1. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin, 6’5, 314, 5.58
I know some may call this a luxury pick, but I strongly disagree. To me, Konz represents the best player available. He is easily the best Center prospect to come out of college since Mangold and the #3 OG after DeCastro and Glenn. I may take flack for this, but I am still not sold on Myers. He had a great season, but it is the only good one he has had in Houston. I have been less than impressed with his play prior to this season. One thing Myers has always struggled with and did so this past year are the big athletic NT/DTs like Paul Soliai, Vince Wilfork, Ngata, Seymour etc. He is just too small to handle them. Each year we see bigger, stronger, and faster NTs and DTs in the league. To combat that, you need a strong powerful, quick Center to neutralize them. Enter Mr. Konz. He has the strength, the power, the speed, and the ability to protect the QB, open up running lanes, but also get down the field and make that all important downfield block. I know Myers was re-signed, and in that scenario Konz can slide into the OG spot next to Brown and Wade Smith can slide next to Butler. Konz instantly upgrades the OL by starting as an OG and becomes backup Center. In a year or two, Konz replaces Myers as Center.

2. Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma, 6’2, 253, 4.69
The NFL has become a passing league. An argument can be made that Tom Brady is a better QB than Eli Manning. Yet, Manning’s Giants have now beaten Brady’s Patriots in 2 superbowls. Why? Passrushing. The Giants bring a plethora of passrushers whereas the Patriots don’t. A good pass rush can neutralize the best and Brady has proven time and time again he is up there. Case in point, I take Ronnell Lewis. He would be a great addition to the Wade 3-4 OLB group and will fit right in with Barwin and Reed. One thing I noticed about Lewis when I looked at some tape was that he didn’t get sacks based on an initial move, he got them because he continued to fight and work to get to the QB. This was exactly what the Texans did last year. How many times did we see the team get a sack based on extra effort? Guys like Watt, Barwin, and Reed got sacks because they didn’t give up on plays and kept fighting to the whistle. Lewis is the same kind of player and will be a great addition. At present he is a high level pass rusher and very solid run stopper. In time, I am confident his run defense will catch up to his pass rushing.

3. A.J. Jenkins WR, Illinois, 6’0, 190, 4.39
A great WR option that can play either on the outside or in the slot. He has speed to burn and if he gets by a defender he will go for a long gain. He has good hands, solid route running and was productive in college. Despite a poor QB he still hauled in 90 passes for 1,276 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011 and 56 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010. He is flying under the radar and could be a major steal at this point.

4. Nick Jean-Baptiste, NT, Baylor, 6’1, 335. 5.40
When Wade talks about NTs he generally stresses one thing: one gap players who shoot the gap and get into the backfield. NJB can be that guy. He was a dominant force at the East-West game he got by the O lineman with ease. A good mix of power and speed. He is immediately DL depth, but is the kind of prospect Wade will love to groom and mold.

5. Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin, 6’0, 205, 4.48
I have a feeling Troy Nolan will not be kept. Getting a FS with tackling skills is a major plus. Henry had 62 tackles with three tackles for a loss, four interceptions and three passes broken up this year. He also had a good game against Michigan State in the Big ten championship game. He is quality depth and a Special Teams monster.

6. Brett Roy, DE, Nevada, 6’4, 280, 4.84
Depth is the key to any good defense. A DE like Roy would look great in a rotation with Smith and Watt. Roy is a high motor tackling machine who has a nose for the backfield. He had 66 tackles with 18.5 behind the LOS, and 10 sacks. Year before he got 50 tackles, 214.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. You might say his numbers are inflated because he played at Nevada, but he got sacks against the Pac 12’s Oregon and the everyone’s favorite Mid Major Boise State. This guy can play and I want him on my team.

7. Art Forst, G/OT, Rutgers, 6’8, 310, 5.30.
A combo OG/OT sleeper from Rutgers. He needs some work and will certainly not ready to start Day 1. But what I have seen is intriguing enough to take a 7th on him. He played both OG spots as well as RT this year. He is a good but unspectacular run blocker and pass protector. Give him some time and he may very well surprise a lot of people.

Hope everyone enjoyed it and as always, this mock's for you!

I dig it, nice work.

1) I really like Konz, and have absolutely no problem with the pick. All-pro caliber player at both OC and OG, upgrades both positions and provides insurance. I know quite a few guys here claim that Konz actually projects better at guard than at center, and I am in the midst of forming my own opinion on that matter. Great pick.

2) BOOOM! I have been mocking this since the middle of the season. Lewis is a great athlete, a great football player, a great pass rusher. I have recently questioned whether or not to go OLB this early, but I still love this pick. 2/2 thus far.

3) Love the position, not so much the player. I have been able to watch a lot of B10 games these past 4 years (OSU student), and this guy never, ever stood out to me. His stats and measurables are impressive, but what I saw when watching games did not match it. I would much rather have Toon if available, or any one of McNutt, Broyles, Hilton and Wylie. I would not hate the pick, I would just be skeptical.

4) Good spot to take Fangupo here. Big body with great athleticism. I dont know if he is a day 1 starter, but he will see time in the rotation immediately. Nice pick.

5) Henry is a baller; I dig it.

6) I think Roy is a 4-3 DT, not a 3-4 DE. I dont think he has the quickness not the agility needed to control the edge. I (again) like the position, but instead, humbly suggest grabbing a tackle here and Ryan van Bergen in the 7th.

7) No thanks. If the draft has broken down this way, I definitely want to go OT. We need to find another OT to fit the system. I dont think this is the guy. This late, what do you think about Markus Zusevics, a solid 4th-5th round talent who falls due to injury.

All in all, really nice mock. Just a couple little things that I disagree with.

Are you at all worried that Konz only threw 225 up 18 times at the combine? Seems like there are some strength questions about him. I know most of your strength comes from your lower half, but an OL needs to be able to "punch" away defenders.

I like the WR pick and think like you, he could be a major steal as an unknown due to poor QB play. He did account for 53% of the offenses receiving yards this year. Pretty impressive.

Excellent question Blake. Quick question, I don't recognize your name, but you have a ton of posts. Are you returning after a hiatus or did you recently change your name?

Now, onto your question. No. I am not concerned with Konz's bench press. As you said, the bench press only takes into account upper body, not lower body. Of all the combine events, the bench press always seemed out of place. The 40 and the cone drills evaluate real skills one might need. The bench press just doesn't seem like it is all that useful in my mind. I think his body of work as 3 year starter speaks volumes more than a single bench press.

1) I really like Konz, and have absolutely no problem with the pick. All-pro caliber player at both OC and OG, upgrades both positions and provides insurance. I know quite a few guys here claim that Konz actually projects better at guard than at center, and I am in the midst of forming my own opinion on that matter. Great pick.

2) BOOOM! I have been mocking this since the middle of the season. Lewis is a great athlete, a great football player, a great pass rusher. I have recently questioned whether or not to go OLB this early, but I still love this pick. 2/2 thus far.

3) Love the position, not so much the player. I have been able to watch a lot of B10 games these past 4 years (OSU student), and this guy never, ever stood out to me. His stats and measurables are impressive, but what I saw when watching games did not match it. I would much rather have Toon if available, or any one of McNutt, Broyles, Hilton and Wylie. I would not hate the pick, I would just be skeptical.

4) Good spot to take Fangupo here. Big body with great athleticism. I dont know if he is a day 1 starter, but he will see time in the rotation immediately. Nice pick.

5) Henry is a baller; I dig it.

6) I think Roy is a 4-3 DT, not a 3-4 DE. I dont think he has the quickness not the agility needed to control the edge. I (again) like the position, but instead, humbly suggest grabbing a tackle here and Ryan van Bergen in the 7th.

7) No thanks. If the draft has broken down this way, I definitely want to go OT. We need to find another OT to fit the system. I dont think this is the guy. This late, what do you think about Markus Zusevics, a solid 4th-5th round talent who falls due to injury.

All in all, really nice mock. Just a couple little things that I disagree with.

Agree almost word for word 65. I love Lewis in 2nd and he should be there. Also would take McNutt or Broyles in third but do think McNutt is a late 2nd to early third.

Doppel; I like most of your draft with these exceptions. Would also go FB in 7th.

__________________
I want to be able to recognize the difference between a "want" and a "need" and then I want to be satisfied with getting a need

I really like this mock, Dopp. The more I think about our team as we watch this off-season unfold, the more I believe that we will/should not pick a WR in the first round. I just can't really see a way where we can get great value by picking a WR at #26, barring an unexpected drop from one of the higher ranked WRs.

I, too, still have a worry in the back of my mind with Myers, and I think it is a fantastic idea to have a backup plan for him. I am also much more comfortable going in to next season with more competition for that RG spot. I really like the Konz pick.

I think it is also highly likely that we don't wait very long to take an OLB, and I like your pick there.

It seems like there is just not a tonne of difference between the WRs who should be available at #26 and some of those likely to still be around in the 3rd round.

]I'm not a big konz fan. I wouldn't pick him until the second round. IMO zeitler is a much better player. And honestly, I think there will be other linemen picked later than konz that will be just as good or better. I love the tenacity he plays with, but he just isn't overwhelming enough to play guard IMO. Guards need to be able to move bodies more than any other position.

Konz would make a good center for us, but I don't like him as a guard.

why would the Texans select a Center with their first round pick after re-signing Myers? really makes no sense to me other than Konz is a fine baller

Agree with rmartin65 & badboy on Lewis in 2nd or Shea McClellin if not there.

Jenkins has a very slight build, like Jacoby could get thrown around like him too. I would like to get a stronger more physical WR. Quick or a Marvin Jones would be good.

I've softened my stance on having to select a big wide body NG. Really whatever Wade feels brings the best skill set to me. I would replace Konz with a DT like Brockers, Cox or Still. Not big bodies but physical, explosive & disruptive.

Henry represents good value here @ FS, certainly in the rotation with current roster players. Winston Guy might me another name to throw in the hat?

I really like Roy, this late in the draft he would be a steal.

Excellent idea with your OL combo pick I was thinking the same thing but in the 4th rd. with Colorado Ryan Miller who's actual height is 6'4 5/8" 34 1/2" arms good for a tackle, two inches longer than Eric Winston as matter of fact. Bigger hands too, maybe that explains somewhat why the Texans choose to let Eric become a free agent, the fact his measureables displayed on game tape revel he had difficulty controlling the edges because despite having a big torso the parts used to hold off defenders (reach & grasp) where inadequate.

1) I really like Konz, and have absolutely no problem with the pick. All-pro caliber player at both OC and OG, upgrades both positions and provides insurance. I know quite a few guys here claim that Konz actually projects better at guard than at center, and I am in the midst of forming my own opinion on that matter. Great pick.

2) BOOOM! I have been mocking this since the middle of the season. Lewis is a great athlete, a great football player, a great pass rusher. I have recently questioned whether or not to go OLB this early, but I still love this pick. 2/2 thus far.

3) Love the position, not so much the player. I have been able to watch a lot of B10 games these past 4 years (OSU student), and this guy never, ever stood out to me. His stats and measurables are impressive, but what I saw when watching games did not match it. I would much rather have Toon if available, or any one of McNutt, Broyles, Hilton and Wylie. I would not hate the pick, I would just be skeptical.

4) Good spot to take Fangupo here. Big body with great athleticism. I dont know if he is a day 1 starter, but he will see time in the rotation immediately. Nice pick.

5) Henry is a baller; I dig it.

6) I think Roy is a 4-3 DT, not a 3-4 DE. I dont think he has the quickness not the agility needed to control the edge. I (again) like the position, but instead, humbly suggest grabbing a tackle here and Ryan van Bergen in the 7th.

7) No thanks. If the draft has broken down this way, I definitely want to go OT. We need to find another OT to fit the system. I dont think this is the guy. This late, what do you think about Markus Zusevics, a solid 4th-5th round talent who falls due to injury.

All in all, really nice mock. Just a couple little things that I disagree with.

1. Thanks! I really believe Konz can be a force at either spot and can be useful now.

2. Big fan of Lewis. He just comes across as the guy Wade would love to have.

3. Let me go back and rethink. I havent seen a ton of footage on him, just highlights.

4. Problem I have with Fangupo is his age. He is currently 26 and would be a 27 year old rookie. He did not exactly dominate competition. I would be concerned as to whether he has maxed his potential at this point.

5. BIG fan of Henry. I think he is the real deal.

6. Disagree. I think Roy could be a very serviceable 3-4 DE depth player. van Bergen is a great prospect though.

7. 7th rounders are hard to project. Markus Zusevics is a risk since he came off injury, but worth a pick in the 7th round.

I am really keen to see what Braman brings to the OLB spot for us, but would like to add some strength inside too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmartin65

That is a very good point. Picking up an ILB now could help lessen the blow should we need to cut DeMeco due to cap trouble.

I was thinking about ILB. Cush, Meco, Sharpton, and Mister Alexander are on the roster. 4 players for 2 spots and potentially Dobbins is resigned. Also, keep in mind that in many packages only 1 ILB was used. I felt that ILB was a position where Dobbins or an UDFA could provide better depth than a draft pick.

]I'm not a big konz fan. I wouldn't pick him until the second round. IMO zeitler is a much better player. And honestly, I think there will be other linemen picked later than konz that will be just as good or better. I love the tenacity he plays with, but he just isn't overwhelming enough to play guard IMO. Guards need to be able to move bodies more than any other position.

Konz would make a good center for us, but I don't like him as a guard.

I'm kind of meh on everyone else. I don't hate 'em, don't love 'em

Zeitler is a great player as well. I had a previous mock where I picked both of them and had them starting side by side. I think both of them would be great in Htown but unfortunately we can only get one since I think Zeitler goes at the top of the second. I prefer Konz because I see him as having that ability to play either OG or C. I think he is a muich better Center prospect but is good enough to start on the OL.

3. Let me go back and rethink. I havent seen a ton of footage on him, just highlights.

4. Problem I have with Fangupo is his age. He is currently 26 and would be a 27 year old rookie. He did not exactly dominate competition. I would be concerned as to whether he has maxed his potential at this point.

Let me know what conclusion you come to. There are a lot of receivers available in the 3rd/4th/5th round range, and it is hard to tell which ones are the best. They are almost incomparable, as they all bring something unique to the table.

Yeah, but that is why Fangupo is not a 3rd rounder like some were projecting earlier. At 26/27 he can sit a year, and give 5 solid years. That is acceptable for a 4th rounder.

why would the Texans select a Center with their first round pick after re-signing Myers? really makes no sense to me other than Konz is a fine baller

Agree with rmartin65 & badboy on Lewis in 2nd or Shea McClellin if not there.

Jenkins has a very slight build, like Jacoby could get thrown around like him too. I would like to get a stronger more physical WR. Quick or a Marvin Jones would be good.

I've softened my stance on having to select a big wide body NG. Really whatever Wade feels brings the best skill set to me. I would replace Konz with a DT like Brockers, Cox or Still. Not big bodies but physical, explosive & disruptive.

Henry represents good value here @ FS, certainly in the rotation with current roster players. Winston Guy might me another name to throw in the hat?

I really like Roy, this late in the draft he would be a steal.

Excellent idea with your OL combo pick I was thinking the same thing but in the 4th rd. with Colorado Ryan Miller who's actual height is 6'4 5/8" 34 1/2" arms good for a tackle, two inches longer than Eric Winston as matter of fact. Bigger hands too, maybe that explains somewhat why the Texans choose to let Eric become a free agent, the fact his measureables displayed on game tape revel he had difficulty controlling the edges because despite having a big torso the parts used to hold off defenders (reach & grasp) where inadequate.

you also forgot a kicker, otherwise very good effort

1. Excellent question. Konz is a center prospect with a much higher ceiling than Myers. He has the potential to be a multiyear probowler. Myers has had 1 good year. Signing Myers provides stability at the Center spot and allows Konz to get his feet wet in the NFL at OG an easier position than Center. After a year, the Texans can cut Myers(saving cap room) and promote Konz to Center. I actually think it would be a great strategy

2. Great minds must think alike because I had McClellin as my backup pick for Lewis!

3. I need to take another look at Jenkins. I saw a quick speedy receiver, but perhaps he is not the right fit for Htown.

4. To me NJB is the hybrid the fans and Wade want. Fans want a wider body and Wade wants a penetrator (that sounds dirty). NJB is the big boy who gets into the back.

5. WInston Guy is another great name. Its hard to make picks where there are so many quality players!!!

6. Yep. I like Roy as well. I really think he will surprise a lot of people.

7. I forgot about Miller. The knock against him is he plays for the University of Colorado, not CSU, and CSU boys don't get along with the Buffalo's!!! All kidding aside, he's a great prospect and I am embarrassed I forgot him. I must be slipping!!!

I actually wouldn't be surprised to see the Texans grab an UDFA kicker kinda like the way they grabbed a punter last year.

really like the mock. Looks like BPA but fills needs, what more do you want.
We talked about it in another thread but the Jenkins in the 3rd his a solid pick even though i would go WR just a little earlier lol I have to do some watching to see how he is in the blocking department though.

Personally I'm taking NT off my needs this draft. Cody and Mitchell are serviceable and i think we have to many others needs to fill now.

Love the decision to add DE people arnt putting enough emphasis on this position.